SIP EXTENDS HK$0.9 MILLION LOAN TO EMPOWER CAREER'S MISSION FOR INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT

Social Impact Partners (SIP), a leading venture philanthropy fund committed to driving positive social change, proudly announces its latest investment in CareER, a dedicated charitable organization providing career support to tertiary-educated individuals with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN). The HK$0.9 million loan marks a significant milestone in SIP's support to fostering inclusive employment opportunities in Hong Kong.

CareER has established itself as a pivotal force in facilitating the seamless transition of individuals with disabilities and SEN from academia to the workforce. By offering inclusive employment training and job-matching services, CareER bridges the gap between employers and candidates, empowering both parties to thrive in a diverse and equitable workplace environment, aligning with SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

"We believe in CareER's vision of creating a more inclusive society where individuals of all abilities can contribute meaningfully to the workforce," said Josephine Price, Board Chair of SIP. "Through this partnership, we aim to catalyze positive change and drive sustainable impact in Hong Kong's employment landscape."

SIP recognizes the significant social impact generated by CareER's innovative Disability Inclusion Index (DII), a strategic assessment tool designed to assist organizations in developing a roadmap for promoting workplace disability inclusion.

"The DII serves as a reference and aid for employers from different industries to create an open, inclusive, and accessible working environment for individuals with disabilities/SEN," explained Walter Tsui, Co-Founder and CEO of CareER. "It provides employers with a structured framework that helps them break down their disability inclusion goals across various areas and compare their performance with industry best practices. The DII serves as a valuable resource for employers to prioritize future actions."

With SIP's financial backing, CareER will advance its Disability Inclusion Index services. This includes offering self-assessment tools for corporates to embark on their journey toward disability inclusion and inclusive hiring. Additionally, there will be a focus on capacity building for advisory services to employers, along with the integration of new global insights tailored for Hong Kong's context.

The investment decision follows a rigorous due diligence process conducted by SIP's esteemed strategic partners, including Charltons, KPMG, and ALS International. SIP remains dedicated to driving sustainable social impact and advancing the mission of organizations like CareER through strategic partnerships and financial support.